Brewzle, you have got to come to the Baltimore area at some point! This is bourbon hunting in hard mode. If you can find anything allocated in Maryland, you are basically Jesus himself.
I'm North of Charlotte, NC and I'm occasionally up by Greensboro and down by Wilmington. Things are improving. Barrel picks have been increasing and BT, Eagle Rare and Blantons have been showing up in the last 9 months. Some stores hold them behind the counter and you need to ask. Some get put on the shelf immediately. There are hidden gems that you can find regularly, though. Some of the recent best include Limosine Rye Single Barrell Cask Strength, Doc Swinsons Parker's Pick Cask Strength and Savage & Cooke Single Barrel Select are all approximately $65 and are top notch whiskeys. I had business travel in Richmond, VA and my local NC ABC stores are way better than what I saw there
@@rickjohnson5914can confirm that as well, I’m a transplant from CA, and was big time disappointed in limited liquor selection in NC (RDU area) + higher prices, but as of the last few months, been finding some nice stuff, just gotta hunt and shop around! Some of current faves are Yougsville ABC, Wake ABC store 6, Durham ABC store 4, and Durham ABC Store 7…wake county has an online inventory search that’s handy, and Durham county’s abc site tells you when and where they drop allocated stuff each week though everything is always gone pretty quickly
I had a Sazerac employee tell me that the Benchmark Top Floor bottle is the best kept secret. Same mash bill as EH Taylor and sits in the same part of the rickhouse.
@@ImmaculadoEncantosir with all respect... If anything BM came close to Stagg, y'all have issues. I enjoy BM FP and TF but they are 20$-$30 bourbon and nothing special.
No matter what he drank -- Lincoln was born in the region that this hunt is in. -- Before Mom married Lincoln she was an indentured servant girl and impregnated by her Master (Enloe) before being sent off to KY to rebuild her life with Abe on the way to living. - Maybe?
@@Woody.D828 Lincolns dad came from one of the tribes in Kentucky too. He had "swarthy textured" skin, meaning dark. He was whitewashed over the years. Even my mom remembers being taught in school that he had darker skin. His-story is the story told to us through the minds of greedy egotistical psychopaths that want to control everything.
Exactly...my mee mee and paw paw didnt spend hundred and thousands sending me to college to give tips to poors. They can go get a better job or work harder...just like us.
@@Auginauto Its called sarcasm, you wouldnt get it. Im trying to fit in with the OP and people who agree...Watch. YEAH NO TIPS FOR POORS!! THEIR TIP IS SERVING SELF MADE HARDWORKERS LIKE US!! AMIRIGHT FELLAS? LETS GO WATCH A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME!!!🤪
I’ve never seen a 7yr Willett Rye, but I’ve drank over $300 dollars worth of the 4 year so I would probably buy the 7 as a special occasion pour. I love the flavor profile I get off the 4 year. Raisins/tobacco with a bit of spice and pepper
NC is hard to find unicorns but the best part is if you do it’s usually MSRP. Usually can find decent stuff in smaller metro areas away from Raleigh and Charlotte. One of the best locations to find some really good bottles is the Youngsville ABC about 35 minutes north of Raleigh.
NC you need to hit Forest City, Valdese, New Hope Rd (gastonia), and the 2 in lincolnton nc.... Charlotte sux.... Near charlotte but in SC are Liqour at the Lake (some of the best store picks around), Lake wylie liqour and Frugal McDougal which are all near that stateline you went to. At the beach in SC they have Twelve 33 distillery which is GREAT and near that is Liqour Library (another great store pick store)
@DeathBree yea ..they in good with forest city and do a lot of good stuff. Catawba has good stuff too.. gastonia new hope store is nice with lots of picks.
Bourbon Hunter out of Charleston sampled that Conviction and he was a big fan. Hope you like it! Glad you finally made it back to the great state of SC!
Hey Brewzle that Millstone is in fact distilled in the Netherlands, the label is underselling it! They make single malt, rye, and rums, and have a really great cask program, so a lot of their products are big sherry cask bombs - full maturations in super thick and sweet sherry casks. Maybe not your style, but definitely a quality product if you see it again
Been watching for maybe 2 years now. I'm not too big on drinking as I think I drank enough when I was younger but you sir have gotten me into Bourbon. I've purchased a few of your recommendations and have not been disappointed, yet. I actually picked up a new job a few months ago not thinking anything of it but it's at a distribution center so I look at liquor ALL NIGHT, lol. I really enjoy your content and hope you have continued success!
Indeed. Their Ryes are quite well regarded but personally I find them a bit suited to single malt palates. Still worth checking out in my humble opinion!
100% AGREE about the tipping getting out of control, which is why I have no problem at places like that hitting "no tip". If you want a tip, you gotta do something besides take my order.
The bottle with Lincoln on it is from Boundary Oaks which is a distillery about 20-30 miles from Lincoln’s boyhood home and birthplace in Hodgenville Ky. They are about 5 miles from Fort Knox and have a few selections dedicated to US Veterans.
Hey TJ! Lincoln and Patton are both Boundary Oak Distillery Bottles. The Distillery is in Hardin County. Abe Lincoln was born just outside of town (Hodgenville, KY) and Ft Knox hosts the Patton Museum (also just outside of town). Thats why they have the Patton and Lincoln bottles.
Conviction from Southern Grace Distillery is the real deal in Mount Pleasant NC. They just released a six year, but most of the 4+ years are excellent. Got to do the panel pic for the new double oak release and I bought the empty barrel!
I purchased a Willet 10yr single barrell rye earlier this year, and it's hand down the best rye I have ever ever had (big rye fan)! At 500 dollars, though, it does hurt a bit to drink it, haha
Western North Carolina resident here! There are good bottles here but it takes a lot of work to get them. Either have to enter raffles or get lucky when a truck runs (if the managers don’t keep the bottles for themselves)
I love watching. As a performance manager when you say 'I don't know if I have one of those at home'? It kills me! You should have a list of all your inventory at your finger tips on your phone at all times to retort instead. 'I haven't tried that but according to my real time inventory list apparently I have 3 bottles at home so I won't be purchasing said bottle'.
A whiskey club I did a tasting at when I visited KY poured us a pour of the jack sbbp rye after the tasting... was 139.8 proof... closest ive seen to hazmat... and it was incredible.
You found a Springer 15 in the wild. Congrats! Pick up that Campbeltown Loch as well (also from Springbank). It's a blend of all the Campbeltown single malts (Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn, Kilkerran, and Glen Scotia). Super interesting Scotch. They also had some bottles of Kilkerran and a bottle of Longrow. Kilkerran is distilled at Glengyle ditillery which is owned by the J.A. Mitchell who also own Springbank. Longrow is the more heavily peated expression from Springbank. The Longrow Reds are among the best Scotch I've tasted. Best wishes TJ! Oloroso is a type of Sherry. Maybe Middle West changed the labeling from "Sherry" to "Oloroso.
@@darlsbarkley3493 I live in Missouri and can find it occasionally here (have a few bottles of the 10 and one 15), but I know in most places it's difficult to find. Springbank produces under it's capacity combined with flippers scooping up a lot of bottles results in scarcity. I've also heard that in the UK Springbank is also difficult to find outside of the immediate Campbeltown area.
@@andrewdoerr6823 springbank seems to be harder to find in the UK than in the US these days. There's not really much opportunity for flippers anymore. At least nothing like what you see with any harder to find bourbons. Springbank retail prices are a bit higher in the US than in the UK because of the US distributor. The flipping was only profitable for a few months in 2022 when Asian buyers drove up the auction prices.
It’s crazy the hoops to jump through to get allocated bottles. (That sign). It feels almost illegal, like it defeats the purpose of allocation. I get that they want to stop scalpers, but I feel like a limit of an allocated bottle a month per person would let everyone have a chance, not just people with a ton of money or time available.
There’s some good Texas whiskey out there TJ. Still Austin single barrel cask strength is incredible. Our palettes pretty much alike, I don’t Ike French oak, amburana or single malts for example. Give it a try
The coopers craft 100 has beat EHT SB, Elmer, and two EC barrel picks for a group of us in a blind. Super smooth and easy to find. Great shout out to that bottle
Southern Grace, Conviction is one of my favorites. Really like the Double Oak, suggest taking the tour! Also, the Southern Spirits team are pretty cool, love the store. Plus it shares a parking lot with a firework store!
I'd highly recommend driving just a bit further south on I-77 and check out Green's Beverage in Columbia. They've served the Midlands for years and it would be cool to see them get some love.
Balcones is not bad, its in that different category. Ive had the brimstone, something similar to high west campfire. Lots of smoke, to me it grows on you like a negroni - first sip meh, 2nd...ok, 3rd - not bad
@brewzle, definitely pickup one of those Ransom bourbon bottles. They have an organic farm here in Oregon and is a great pour! They also make whiskey, gin, and wine. Their Old Tom Gin - Old Geezer, is especially unique!
@Brewzle That WFE 7y Rye Hung up on you was released in SC for $159.99 which is what i paid and totally not worth it. Goes on secondary for $275, $300 is way too high!
I have a question for you. What is the best way to store your bourbon if you wanted to last for years, would it be storing it with the liquid against the cork?
Willett rye was a srain pour for me. Really did not like the flavor profile. Does that mean i wouldn't like the purple top? Brewzle! You're the man! love the videos!
Tj I can’t make it this year I hope to make it next year. I picked up 2 wellers 1 special reserve $30 and 1 antique 107 for $103 . Antique 107 very tasty but sr $30 can’t beat that for the price. Again wish you all the best on the festival
I know rye isn't your thing, and wilderness trail is low on your distillery ranking, but please check out barrel strength rye from them. Lower proof than my JD SBBP rye, but MUCH better. JD was red hots heavy flavor, WT was just delicious. So good it got me looking into higher rye bourbons.
Balcones is a hardcore hot full size and small barrels. There main line is big regular size and they'll do side project releases in small barrels but it's so dark from the climate and the age. The master distiller has many awards. The baby blue, and brimstone are good but it's all good stuff not for beginners tho
My liquor store happened to have one old Dominick cask strength, so I came home with it. I obviously don’t care for that much rice spice. lol! My son traded me a Baby Jane. So all is well. (the hunt continues.)
Most people around here are just into bourbon. A friend of mine runs a Facebook group with 40000 scotch whisky enthusiasts and made a post about the selection of campbeltown whiskies at southern spirits during the peak of springbank hype a couple years ago and they still didn't sell out for a couple weeks.
I love the channel and I'm a Patreon member but back up off the Lincoln! That's one of my favorite small craft brewers! Everyone sleeps on Boundry Oak!
Don’t give up on North Carolina. I live in N Georgia and have to pay museum prices. In NC in the last year I scored Elmer T (2 bottles), Buffalo Trace (many), Eagle Rare (many), 1924, weller antique 107, special reserve, full proof and 12 year old, Hardins Creek 211, Bookers (several), 1792 sweet wheat (2), 12 year old, Blantons, willets 4 year old rye, Elijah Craig toasted barrel, Knob Creek 12, McKennas 10. Best thing I paid MSRP for all.
Brewzle… buy the Balcones if you see it again. The black label is phenomenal at $80-$100. If you see their Lineage bottle it’s a really good budget bottle at $30, tons of fruit on the nose and pallet. They’re mad scientists and make a ton of interesting stuff
I’ve loved the Balcones bottles I’ve had. Being Texas bourbons they definitely have a lot of barrel impact. Still Austin is also pretty good Texas whiskey.
Best distillery in Charlotte is for sure Oaklore. Their higher minimum age is what beats out the other competitors. Southern grace is fun to tour but they need to age them longer.
Willet 7yr Rye, at least the one I tried at The Bar at Willet, was delicious. Is it worth $300? Maybe not, but it is very good..the one had was very floral, so depending on if that flavor profile is up your ally, I would probably pass at $300, definitely much better bottles to find under that price point, although, that may be one of the harderst finds lol
Was great to meet you at the SEMA show last week! I hope you enjoyed the show and had a good time. Any chance we may see some bourbon hunting in Las Vegas here soon??
I paid 300$ for a willet 9 yr because the 4 year is one of, if not my favorite, ryes. Overall, was disappointed and like the 4 yr better. The proof point on the 9 yr seemed too high and it came across as only heat - I believe mine was 132 or so. I guess if you like a lot of heat you might love it but for me and a few buddies the 4 year has more flavor.
State Line is a mess on holidays. You'd be hard-pressed to beat the prices at O'Darby's though. As for bourbon, I would've snatched up at least 3 bottles of Rua (NC bourbon). Can't get it here in upstate SC.
Willet 7 yr green & purple tops msrp are crazy; I recently passed on a $400 purple top which was srp; just not worth it. Willett 7 yr rye for $200 is a tough call if you want the unicorn.
if you don't the drop days in NC you won't find anything out of the ordinary. We're a msrp only state so allocated disappears on delivery day, it doesn't sit around.
Have you tried the Bluegrass Distillery in Lexington KY? It was a tiny little place and their barrel proof is some of the best little distilled bourbon I have ever had. Highly recommend. Also would be cool to see a Brewzle pick.
You should come up and do a tour of the Southern Grace distillery in Mt. Pleasant, NC. The wife and i have been through that place multiple times with friends. Their cognac cask finish is really good and their French Oak is great in an Old Fashion! There are some NC ABC store that randomly have stuff off the beaten path that i can take you to if you're interested at some point but can't say if they care about videotaping. Feel free to get ahold of me.
I may have missed it but have you tried the Company Distilling bourbon by Jeff Arnett? If you haven't, you need to pick up a bottle. He was the Master Distiller at Jack Daniels and left to start his own company.
Use code BREWZLE50 to get 50% OFF your first Factor box plus 20% off your next month of orders at bit.ly/3ZTkUXh!
Brewzle, you have got to come to the Baltimore area at some point! This is bourbon hunting in hard mode. If you can find anything allocated in Maryland, you are basically Jesus himself.
Great time hanging out! Thanks again!!
NC resident - confirmed we are a waste of time haha
Unless there is an ABC store opening, and then they have cases upon cases of allocated bourbon.
@@nchokie80 depends where you live in NC, some ABC boards are great about setting out product
I'm North of Charlotte, NC and I'm occasionally up by Greensboro and down by Wilmington. Things are improving. Barrel picks have been increasing and BT, Eagle Rare and Blantons have been showing up in the last 9 months. Some stores hold them behind the counter and you need to ask. Some get put on the shelf immediately.
There are hidden gems that you can find regularly, though. Some of the recent best include Limosine Rye Single Barrell Cask Strength, Doc Swinsons Parker's Pick Cask Strength and Savage & Cooke Single Barrel Select are all approximately $65 and are top notch whiskeys.
I had business travel in Richmond, VA and my local NC ABC stores are way better than what I saw there
@@rickjohnson5914can confirm that as well, I’m a transplant from CA, and was big time disappointed in limited liquor selection in NC (RDU area) + higher prices, but as of the last few months, been finding some nice stuff, just gotta hunt and shop around! Some of current faves are Yougsville ABC, Wake ABC store 6, Durham ABC store 4, and Durham ABC Store 7…wake county has an online inventory search that’s handy, and Durham county’s abc site tells you when and where they drop allocated stuff each week though everything is always gone pretty quickly
I live on the nc boarder and have found eagle trace for 40$. Cheapest I’ve seen it in Myrtle beach area is 119
I had a Sazerac employee tell me that the Benchmark Top Floor bottle is the best kept secret. Same mash bill as EH Taylor and sits in the same part of the rickhouse.
top floor is meh... single barrel , bonded, and full proof is amazing. full proof beat stagg jr in a blind me and my friends did
SiB & FP are the bomb on Benchmark!
@@ImmaculadoEncantosir with all respect... If anything BM came close to Stagg, y'all have issues. I enjoy BM FP and TF but they are 20$-$30 bourbon and nothing special.
Abraham Lincoln worked in a distillery in 1828 and was born near knob creek ky. His father worked in a distillery when he wasn’t farming.
His dad also belonged to one of the tribes in Kentucky. Lincoln had "swarthy textured" skin, meaning dark.
@@EL-Ki-Yanas weird thing to care about isn't it?
No matter what he drank -- Lincoln was born in the region that this hunt is in. -- Before Mom married Lincoln she was an indentured servant girl and impregnated by her Master (Enloe) before being sent off to KY to rebuild her life with Abe on the way to living. - Maybe?
@@Woody.D828 Lincolns dad came from one of the tribes in Kentucky too. He had "swarthy textured" skin, meaning dark. He was whitewashed over the years. Even my mom remembers being taught in school that he had darker skin. His-story is the story told to us through the minds of greedy egotistical psychopaths that want to control everything.
The Coviction bourbons are all at least 4 years old. You’ll notice it’s sweet and smooth because their mash bill is over 70% sweet local corn.
I totally agree on the tipping scenario.
My rule, If I have to stand in line to order and then pay before I eat, I gives no tips....
Exactly. Tip culture in America is ridiculously overrated
Exactly...my mee mee and paw paw didnt spend hundred and thousands sending me to college to give tips to poors. They can go get a better job or work harder...just like us.
@@dreamcastergagaga50something tells me you’ve never worked for anything in life😂
@@Auginautowhat gave it away lol
@@Auginauto Its called sarcasm, you wouldnt get it. Im trying to fit in with the OP and people who agree...Watch.
YEAH NO TIPS FOR POORS!! THEIR TIP IS SERVING SELF MADE HARDWORKERS LIKE US!! AMIRIGHT FELLAS? LETS GO WATCH A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME!!!🤪
As a East Texas native into scotch, I cannot fathom finding a springbank 15 on the shelf, bout died when that popped up
He got that 10 for cheap also! I can’t find SB10 in the UK for less than £50! And it’s from here!
It's a hell of a lot of fun to tag along on these hunts. It made my pour of JD barrel strength rye that much better tonight. This stuff is divine!
Oh man is it ever! I have a store pick JD rye CS. Also have a SP bourbon JD CS
Camp stock by whistle pig is an excellent wheated bourbon.
I agree. A favorite in our house and many friends.
I’ve never seen a 7yr Willett Rye, but I’ve drank over $300 dollars worth of the 4 year so I would probably buy the 7 as a special occasion pour. I love the flavor profile I get off the 4 year. Raisins/tobacco with a bit of spice and pepper
That 4yr is just so damn good!
Agree with the tipping.
Of the various ryes I've tried, willet taste like raw grass.
NC is hard to find unicorns but the best part is if you do it’s usually MSRP. Usually can find decent stuff in smaller metro areas away from Raleigh and Charlotte. One of the best locations to find some really good bottles is the Youngsville ABC about 35 minutes north of Raleigh.
NC you need to hit Forest City, Valdese, New Hope Rd (gastonia), and the 2 in lincolnton nc.... Charlotte sux.... Near charlotte but in SC are Liqour at the Lake (some of the best store picks around), Lake wylie liqour and Frugal McDougal which are all near that stateline you went to. At the beach in SC they have Twelve 33 distillery which is GREAT and near that is Liqour Library (another great store pick store)
Valdese? Really? Im in hickory and would have never dreamt.
@DeathBree yea ..they in good with forest city and do a lot of good stuff. Catawba has good stuff too.. gastonia new hope store is nice with lots of picks.
Would agree
Bourbon Hunter out of Charleston sampled that Conviction and he was a big fan. Hope you like it! Glad you finally made it back to the great state of SC!
Hey Brewzle that Millstone is in fact distilled in the Netherlands, the label is underselling it! They make single malt, rye, and rums, and have a really great cask program, so a lot of their products are big sherry cask bombs - full maturations in super thick and sweet sherry casks. Maybe not your style, but definitely a quality product if you see it again
Seconded! Didn’t know it made it over to the states at all?
My son and I had a blast meeting you at SS. Cracking open and sharing the Old Pepper pick with everyone.
Been watching for maybe 2 years now. I'm not too big on drinking as I think I drank enough when I was younger but you sir have gotten me into Bourbon. I've purchased a few of your recommendations and have not been disappointed, yet.
I actually picked up a new job a few months ago not thinking anything of it but it's at a distribution center so I look at liquor ALL NIGHT, lol.
I really enjoy your content and hope you have continued success!
Millstone comes from Zuidam Distillers. A small distillery in the netherlands and they produce good stuff. Not just Whisky, Rum too.
Indeed. Their Ryes are quite well regarded but personally I find them a bit suited to single malt palates. Still worth checking out in my humble opinion!
Zuidam is very good, the genever is the best in my opinion. I have always a bottle of 5y old genever and a bottle of young genever at home.
100% AGREE about the tipping getting out of control, which is why I have no problem at places like that hitting "no tip". If you want a tip, you gotta do something besides take my order.
"New bottle, who dis?"😂😂😂
I heard that also😅
The bottle with Lincoln on it is from Boundary Oaks which is a distillery about 20-30 miles from Lincoln’s boyhood home and birthplace in Hodgenville Ky. They are about 5 miles from Fort Knox and have a few selections dedicated to US Veterans.
The Agave Bourbon is quite good actually, obviously a sweeter note but not bad at all
Hey TJ! Lincoln and Patton are both Boundary Oak Distillery Bottles. The Distillery is in Hardin County. Abe Lincoln was born just outside of town (Hodgenville, KY) and Ft Knox hosts the Patton Museum (also just outside of town). Thats why they have the Patton and Lincoln bottles.
Good to know good info
Those 1792 1L and 1.75’s are wild looking. That’s the first time I’ve seen those.
I bought a 1L recently just because it looks wild. I’ll probably never drink it but it’s a cool bottle
Conviction from Southern Grace Distillery is the real deal in Mount Pleasant NC. They just released a six year, but most of the 4+ years are excellent. Got to do the panel pic for the new double oak release and I bought the empty barrel!
I purchased a Willet 10yr single barrell rye earlier this year, and it's hand down the best rye I have ever ever had (big rye fan)! At 500 dollars, though, it does hurt a bit to drink it, haha
The speed at which this channel is growing makes me happy.
Western North Carolina resident here! There are good bottles here but it takes a lot of work to get them. Either have to enter raffles or get lucky when a truck runs (if the managers don’t keep the bottles for themselves)
That was probably the best ending you’ve ever said. It really made me stop and think. Appreciate you sir
2:44 THIS IS GOLD LOL
BALCONES SINGLE MALT. Try it. Might be the only malt you like.
I had a Balcones True Blue store pick finished in a sherry barrel. Amazing!!
Cramerton, NC ABC Store on 4701 S New Hope Rd. Is where I go, they always have a big selection of barrel picks. Which are always solid.
I love watching. As a performance manager when you say 'I don't know if I have one of those at home'? It kills me! You should have a list of all your inventory at your finger tips on your phone at all times to retort instead. 'I haven't tried that but according to my real time inventory list apparently I have 3 bottles at home so I won't be purchasing said bottle'.
The Conviction Double Oak is fantastic. You definitely should grab a bottle next time you see it
"after 5 o clock is this my store", i was rollin lmao
A whiskey club I did a tasting at when I visited KY poured us a pour of the jack sbbp rye after the tasting... was 139.8 proof... closest ive seen to hazmat... and it was incredible.
You found a Springer 15 in the wild. Congrats! Pick up that Campbeltown Loch as well (also from Springbank). It's a blend of all the Campbeltown single malts (Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn, Kilkerran, and Glen Scotia). Super interesting Scotch. They also had some bottles of Kilkerran and a bottle of Longrow. Kilkerran is distilled at Glengyle ditillery which is owned by the J.A. Mitchell who also own Springbank. Longrow is the more heavily peated expression from Springbank. The Longrow Reds are among the best Scotch I've tasted. Best wishes TJ!
Oloroso is a type of Sherry. Maybe Middle West changed the labeling from "Sherry" to "Oloroso.
Several stores just over the state line from Charlotte always have springbank stuff.
@@darlsbarkley3493 I live in Missouri and can find it occasionally here (have a few bottles of the 10 and one 15), but I know in most places it's difficult to find. Springbank produces under it's capacity combined with flippers scooping up a lot of bottles results in scarcity. I've also heard that in the UK Springbank is also difficult to find outside of the immediate Campbeltown area.
@@andrewdoerr6823 springbank seems to be harder to find in the UK than in the US these days. There's not really much opportunity for flippers anymore. At least nothing like what you see with any harder to find bourbons. Springbank retail prices are a bit higher in the US than in the UK because of the US distributor. The flipping was only profitable for a few months in 2022 when Asian buyers drove up the auction prices.
It’s crazy the hoops to jump through to get allocated bottles. (That sign).
It feels almost illegal, like it defeats the purpose of allocation. I get that they want to stop scalpers, but I feel like a limit of an allocated bottle a month per person would let everyone have a chance, not just people with a ton of money or time available.
There’s some good Texas whiskey out there TJ. Still Austin single barrel cask strength is incredible. Our palettes pretty much alike, I don’t Ike French oak, amburana or single malts for example. Give it a try
Pikesville Rye! It's bourbon drinker friendly. Plenty sweet, nice minty character and has a nice proof point.
The coopers craft 100 has beat EHT SB, Elmer, and two EC barrel picks for a group of us in a blind. Super smooth and easy to find. Great shout out to that bottle
Huling Station Trolley Stop is a must buy. The yellow label wheated especially. Not sure if it’s MGP or their own stuff but man is it great.
Southern Grace, Conviction is one of my favorites. Really like the Double Oak, suggest taking the tour! Also, the Southern Spirits team are pretty cool, love the store. Plus it shares a parking lot with a firework store!
At Southern Grace we use 53 gallon barrels. The 118.6 is great! Next time you're in NC come see us. You messed up not getting the Niranja... cheers!
Templeton Midnight rye is good.....but if you can find the 2023 Barrel Strength Templeton...absolutely fantastic!!
I'd highly recommend driving just a bit further south on I-77 and check out Green's Beverage in Columbia. They've served the Midlands for years and it would be cool to see them get some love.
That new riff single barrel is always a good buy
caught me in the feels at the end there brew! (TJ) Appreciate all you do for the community!
Balcones is not bad, its in that different category. Ive had the brimstone, something similar to high west campfire. Lots of smoke, to me it grows on you like a negroni - first sip meh, 2nd...ok, 3rd - not bad
17:44 ahhh you passed up on the 2024 fireball!!!
Templeton 10yr rye hands down my favorite rye
@brewzle, definitely pickup one of those Ransom bourbon bottles. They have an organic farm here in Oregon and is a great pour! They also make whiskey, gin, and wine. Their Old Tom Gin - Old Geezer, is especially unique!
@Brewzle That WFE 7y Rye Hung up on you was released in SC for $159.99 which is what i paid and totally not worth it. Goes on secondary for $275, $300 is way too high!
That Devils River agave is really good if you like old fashions. Just pour straight on ice and good to go.
I have a question for you. What is the best way to store your bourbon if you wanted to last for years, would it be storing it with the liquid against the cork?
Willett rye was a srain pour for me. Really did not like the flavor profile. Does that mean i wouldn't like the purple top? Brewzle! You're the man! love the videos!
As far as Texas whisky goes the only ones i can say is really good is mostly anything from Still Austin and Devils River Distillers Select.
Balcones is very very good! Similar to Garrison brothers but I like it better has a little sweetness to it but not too sweet
That Virgil Kane Ginger Bourbon is the best flavored bourbon to sip. Got it in a flight in Charleston and loved it enough to go buy a bottle
Brewzle - go to Maryland. All the willet products will be at or below MSRP. To include that 7 year you had in your hand for something around 150
Tj I can’t make it this year I hope to make it next year. I picked up 2 wellers 1 special reserve $30 and 1 antique 107 for $103 . Antique 107 very tasty but sr $30 can’t beat that for the price.
Again wish you all the best on the festival
Willet green tops are $79 here in Austin, TX
Heartfelt close, well said.
$45 on the Old Dominick CS is killer. Just paid $75 in south GA and that's a fair price in this area. I've seen them as high $100 here. 👀
I know rye isn't your thing, and wilderness trail is low on your distillery ranking, but please check out barrel strength rye from them. Lower proof than my JD SBBP rye, but MUCH better. JD was red hots heavy flavor, WT was just delicious. So good it got me looking into higher rye bourbons.
I've got an 8 year single barrels Willett Rye, I love it.
Balcones is a hardcore hot full size and small barrels. There main line is big regular size and they'll do side project releases in small barrels but it's so dark from the climate and the age. The master distiller has many awards. The baby blue, and brimstone are good but it's all good stuff not for beginners tho
Cook's Mill and Southern Star Barrel Picks are the only NC whiskey worth buying. High Wire makes some good drams though in SC
My liquor store happened to have one old Dominick cask strength, so I came home with it. I obviously don’t care for that much rice spice. lol! My son traded me a Baby Jane. So all is well. (the hunt continues.)
That sprinbank 15 is great at that price. I cant believe they have so many on the shelf.
Most people around here are just into bourbon. A friend of mine runs a Facebook group with 40000 scotch whisky enthusiasts and made a post about the selection of campbeltown whiskies at southern spirits during the peak of springbank hype a couple years ago and they still didn't sell out for a couple weeks.
I've really been enjoying that Larceny B524
Totally agree on tipping. It's out of hand.
I love the channel and I'm a Patreon member but back up off the Lincoln! That's one of my favorite small craft brewers! Everyone sleeps on Boundry Oak!
Don’t give up on North Carolina. I live in N Georgia and have to pay museum prices. In NC in the last year I scored Elmer T (2 bottles), Buffalo Trace (many), Eagle Rare (many), 1924, weller antique 107, special reserve, full proof and 12 year old, Hardins Creek 211, Bookers (several), 1792 sweet wheat (2), 12 year old, Blantons, willets 4 year old rye, Elijah Craig toasted barrel, Knob Creek 12, McKennas 10. Best thing I paid MSRP for all.
Plus NC has all the Bench Marks.
You're not going to get any of those in Mecklenburg county. They sell all of those through a lottery
where in NC? charlottean here, and its hot garbage.
I heard Fayetteville area is good. I go to Hayesville a lot.
2XO Gem of Kentucky is one of my favorite bottles comparable to Blanton SFTB or Stagg
Brewzle… buy the Balcones if you see it again. The black label is phenomenal at $80-$100. If you see their Lineage bottle it’s a really good budget bottle at $30, tons of fruit on the nose and pallet. They’re mad scientists and make a ton of interesting stuff
I’ve loved the Balcones bottles I’ve had. Being Texas bourbons they definitely have a lot of barrel impact. Still Austin is also pretty good Texas whiskey.
Best distillery in Charlotte is for sure Oaklore. Their higher minimum age is what beats out the other competitors. Southern grace is fun to tour but they need to age them longer.
Willet 7yr Rye, at least the one I tried at The Bar at Willet, was delicious. Is it worth $300? Maybe not, but it is very good..the one had was very floral, so depending on if that flavor profile is up your ally, I would probably pass at $300, definitely much better bottles to find under that price point, although, that may be one of the harderst finds lol
Was great to meet you at the SEMA show last week! I hope you enjoyed the show and had a good time. Any chance we may see some bourbon hunting in Las Vegas here soon??
I paid 300$ for a willet 9 yr because the 4 year is one of, if not my favorite, ryes. Overall, was disappointed and like the 4 yr better. The proof point on the 9 yr seemed too high and it came across as only heat - I believe mine was 132 or so. I guess if you like a lot of heat you might love it but for me and a few buddies the 4 year has more flavor.
Don't let TJ's opinion shy you away from Chattanooga cask strength! It is excellent!
If you’re still picking up local/craft BiB on the spot, don’t pass up High Wire Spirits Jimmy Red BiB next time you’re in SC. Great stuff!
I enjoyed that Templeton midnight rye! But I enjoy port finished whiskeys
Was in Covington Ky, last week and tried a pour of Eagle rare 17yr at $95 for 2oz pour, so SMOOTH!!!
Southern spirits tequila selection is incredible from any tequila drinkers
I paid 200 for the 7yr willett rye. Just saw another one again for 200. I'm glad you let it sit there at 300
State Line is a mess on holidays. You'd be hard-pressed to beat the prices at O'Darby's though. As for bourbon, I would've snatched up at least 3 bottles of Rua (NC bourbon). Can't get it here in upstate SC.
Love the sentiment in the end. Congrats TJ.
How much for that Canadian mist yellow seaplane I see in every store?
Willet 7 yr green & purple tops msrp are crazy; I recently passed on a $400 purple top which was srp; just not worth it. Willett 7 yr rye for $200 is a tough call if you want the unicorn.
if you don't the drop days in NC you won't find anything out of the ordinary. We're a msrp only state so allocated disappears on delivery day, it doesn't sit around.
that Virgin Kane Ginger at 16:47 is fantastic!
Have you tried the Bluegrass Distillery in Lexington KY? It was a tiny little place and their barrel proof is some of the best little distilled bourbon I have ever had. Highly recommend. Also would be cool to see a Brewzle pick.
Agree on you tipping thoughts😊
You should come up and do a tour of the Southern Grace distillery in Mt. Pleasant, NC. The wife and i have been through that place multiple times with friends. Their cognac cask finish is really good and their French Oak is great in an Old Fashion!
There are some NC ABC store that randomly have stuff off the beaten path that i can take you to if you're interested at some point but can't say if they care about videotaping. Feel free to get ahold of me.
Conviction by southern grace is a solid bourbon and their tours are great! Would be a great place to do a video/tour
Tj you are such a good person helping people enjoy great whiskey. I wish you all the best of luck on your future endeavors
I may have missed it but have you tried the Company Distilling bourbon by Jeff Arnett? If you haven't, you need to pick up a bottle. He was the Master Distiller at Jack Daniels and left to start his own company.